Can you help Brad to a new start?

BRADLEY Campbell is grateful for his Centrelink payments, but more than anything, he wants a job.

For the past week, Mr Campbell has been sleeping in the back of his $600 panel van parked in Sunshine Coast streets as he looks for work and a home.

He has all his possessions in the back of that car – a mattress, a couple of pots and pans and some scruffy-looking clothes.

Mr Campbell has been surviving off Centrelink payments, including a disability pension, for 15 years.

However, two weeks ago, the 47-year-old decided to leave his Hervey Bay housing commission home to come to the Coast in search of a new beginning. So far, all he has had is doors closed in his face. He has not been able to find a place to sleep, let alone work.

“St Vinnies has been really good to me, but they say there is nothing available other than something overnight,” he said.

“If I can just get a job, then I can get through one day and then the next and then at the end of the week I can get a pay check.

“With that pay check I'll be able to get a place to stay and maybe I can turn my life around.”

Mr Campbell came to the Sunshine Coast Daily office, hoping to be able to place a “looking for work” advertisement.

He was slightly dishevelled, he had not been able to shower, but he was well-spoken, polite and articulate about his desire to find work.

“I don't know how many people are trapped in circumstances like this,” he said.

“I had a normal life ... then my girlfriend left me 15 years ago and my mother died.”

Mr Campbell receives a disability pension for his schizophrenia, which has been under control with medication for many years.

He said it was hard to rise above his circumstances in Hervey Bay, which was why he left.

“I always wanted to live here, but I can't find any place to stay.”

Already, Mr Campbell has tackled problems that used to haunt him. He beat a drug habit and has been clean for three years. And “I haven't had a drink in eight years”.

“I've always been reliable and I don't steal.”

He does not care what kind of what work it is. He has done most jobs.

“I was a kitchen hand on Fraser Island. I've done labouring, farm work ... I'm lucky to get Centrelink payments, but there's no future in it.”

“I've been in all areas. I'm trying to do something to help myself.''

And then, he could not hold back anymore. He broke into tears. “I'm so sick of my circumstances.”

He has just bought a phone to be available in case someone is willing to give him a chance. His number is 0439134170.